Palace: SRA Administrator Alba resigned due to 'worsening' health condition

Malacañang on Friday confirmed the resignation of Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief David Thaddeus Alba.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Alba informed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin about his resignation last Wednesday.

"ES Lucas Bersamin tried to persuade Alba not to resign, but he (Alba) reasoned out his worsening health condition," the PCO said.

Upon the directive of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Alba's resignation will take effect on April 15 to prepare the appointment of his replacement, it added.

In an interview on Dobol B TV earlier in the day, SRA board member Pablo Luis Azcona said Alba's resignation was announced during their regular board meeting last Monday.

"Kami sa board [we at the boardr], we were informed last Monday during our regular board meeting na he submitted his resignation due to health reasons," said Azcona.

"Hindi pa naman kami (Alba) nag-usap personally, pero ‘yun po ang alam ko [I haven't talked yet with Alba personally but that's what I know]," he added

Asked if the resignation is connected to the controversial importation of 400,000 metric tons of sugar, Azcona, who represents planters in the board, said all he's heard is that Alba is having problems with his blood pressure.

Azcona said a board resolution has been passed allowing the three deputy administrators to assume the various duties and functions of the administrator.   —Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP/KBK, GMA Integrated News